​Leyland SDM will take the wraps off its new-look Kensington store on Monday (January 15) with a series of events and promotions planned over the coming weeks.

The High Street location has a new layout to make the shopping experience even better for customers, as well as a new Paint Service Desk with additional tills so tradespeople in a hurry don’t need to queue behind those waiting to mix paint.

CEO Martin Hastings said: “We are delighted to have invested in our Kensington store and all the team are looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming customers old and new.

“Our Kensington store is one of the jewels in our crown and is loved by tradespeople and home improvers alike. I’m sure they will all enjoy the refreshed store, which is brighter, more appealing and makes finding products even easier.

“We are renowned for our vast stockholding and we are building on that even further with new paint mixing options, extended product ranges, enhanced timber, wall panelling and wallpaper.

“At a time when other retailers are sadly having to close, we have plans for further investment and growth throughout 2024 and beyond, including more revamps and new stores in strategic locations.”

The store will benefit from a Johnstone’s paint mixing machine, allowing customers to choose from a wide range of colour options and finishes, from a brand favoured by many in the decorating industry.

There will also be a more comprehensive timber range, including planed timber, sheet materials and decorative mouldings, as well as a new wall panelling range, including acoustic panels and wall slats, along with primed tongue and groove cladding.

In a first for Leyland SDM, the store will also offer customers the chance to order luxury wallpaper from in-store sample books, including ranges from Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, Roberto Cavalli, Carrara and Valentin Yudashkin, amongst others.

New stains by Osmo have been added to the woodcare range and Kensington will be the first Leyland SDM store to have an Osmo mixing machine, allowing customers the option to mix colours in both internal and external woodcare products. Even waxes can be colour mixed.

There will be a wider range of Zinsser products on offer, including B-I-N Aqua, a water-based version of the brand’s bestselling primer which is kinder to the environment. The Zinsser AllCoat range is also being introduced, offering customers mould-resistant paint for exterior surfaces from wood, to metal, to plastic.

Leyland SDM Kensington was the business’ sixth outlet when it opened in 1996. There are now 33 stores across London.

Tea, coffee and food will be available to visitors on Monday, while there will also be chances to scoop prizes on Leyland SDM’s Spin to Win wheel, as well as supplier visits and demos throughout the week.

Customers will also have the opportunity to win by testing their strength in a paint can lifting challenge, while the famous Dulux dog will also be visiting on Wednesday.

The Kensington store, close to Kensington Olympia tube station, is open 6.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. It will be closed on Sunday January 14 in preparation for the re-launch the following day.

Leyland SDM has grown to become one of the most recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY companies in central London with stores in prominent locations across the city.